Regional tension continues to rise as the conflict in Gaza drags on. Hundreds of rockets have been fired from Gaza to Israel, some reaching as far as Tel Aviv and the outskirts of Jerusalem. Israel has retaliated against a number of military targets in Gaza. Neither side showed any signs of yielding. Hamas and the Israeli government have not yet held direct talks in regards to conflict, but Egypt is attempting to broker a cease fire and is speaking with both sides.
The question on everyone’s mind seems to be whether the sustained airstrikes by Israel will be followed by a campaign on the ground. Israel has called up reservists and positioned tanks on the Gaza border but this could be more of a deterrent than the first step in an invasion of Gaza. Several Jewish news analysts have said a war in Gaza is not what Israel or Hamas wants, but no one can be sure.
Although this conflict bares a resemblance to the first Gaza war of 2008-2009, the terrain has changed. Revolution and conflict in the Middle East have transformed the region. Internal problems with PLO have also caused Hamas to assert its presence in the region. Israel is dealing with a new government in Egypt and broader regional conflict as well.
